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A Nickel In My Shoe
I wonder...when this little newborn baby’s mother held her for the first time, and while gazing into her child's eyes, did she say, "Someday I'm going to beat you until you are black and blue," or did she say, "I'm going to pour caustic liquid in your ear someday, so you'll be deaf," or did she say...
And when this baby’s father finally made it to the hospital from the bar room to see his new baby daughter. Did he pick her up and while looking into her innocent newborn eyes say, "I'm not going to feed you, because I don't care if you starve,” or did he say, "someday, when you need emergency medical treatment, I'm going to beat you for getting sick, throw you on the couch and leave you there alone for days- without food, water, or medicine," or did he say...
Susan and her two sisters grew up in a time when racism was the norm, child abuse wasn’t recognized and poverty was a way of life. Throughout her life she was often beaten, forced to be a servant and was tossed away like garbage. Susan knew she wanted better out of life...an education, a chance to succeed, to have a mind of her own and most of all...to be free-free from abuse, neglect, prejudice and hatred.
This is an inspiring story about a little girl’s struggle to overcome many obstacles- to understand why she was hurt, both physically and mentally, by the very people that were supposed to love and nurture her. And through it all she never lost faith or hope that one day she would succeed-against all odds.
“Never look down on anyone, unless you’re helping them up”
Jesse Jackson
And when this baby’s father finally made it to the hospital from the bar room to see his new baby daughter. Did he pick her up and while looking into her innocent newborn eyes say, "I'm not going to feed you, because I don't care if you starve,” or did he say, "someday, when you need emergency medical treatment, I'm going to beat you for getting sick, throw you on the couch and leave you there alone for days- without food, water, or medicine," or did he say...
Susan and her two sisters grew up in a time when racism was the norm, child abuse wasn’t recognized and poverty was a way of life. Throughout her life she was often beaten, forced to be a servant and was tossed away like garbage. Susan knew she wanted better out of life...an education, a chance to succeed, to have a mind of her own and most of all...to be free-free from abuse, neglect, prejudice and hatred.
This is an inspiring story about a little girl’s struggle to overcome many obstacles- to understand why she was hurt, both physically and mentally, by the very people that were supposed to love and nurture her. And through it all she never lost faith or hope that one day she would succeed-against all odds.
“Never look down on anyone, unless you’re helping them up”
Jesse Jackson
151 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2011
306 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
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October 25, 2019Sorry...i can't finish this
The punctuation is ATROCIOUS, and when she began using WOMAN as the plural of the word, which is a HUGE pet peeve of mine, i just couldn't do it anymore.
I have a problem with books in which authors diagnose someone with a mental illness but they don't have the qualifications to do so, and do not give the basis for the Dx (such as a psychiatric report done as part of a court order, or because the author personally spoke to the therapist with permission of the patient). That tells me they did an internet search of the symptoms and found something that sounds like it could be it.
Then...there's the older sister. The author alludes that she was mentally ill also, not the same as mom, that there was a name for it, doesn't give a name right then, but goes on to describe a child whose almost psychopathic in nature.
And then I hit the "WOMAN" when it should be WOMEN references. With the new "report error" feature in Kindle, I just can't help but correct errors when I see them and had already corrected about a dozen or more. It was taking me way too long to read. I had to stop.
Maybe once it's edited and republished it will be worth reading, but for now, it's nothing but a way to drive me to frustration.
Sorry. I truly am. Please have it edited. There are groups you can join that will help you with it.
The punctuation is ATROCIOUS, and when she began using WOMAN as the plural of the word, which is a HUGE pet peeve of mine, i just couldn't do it anymore.
I have a problem with books in which authors diagnose someone with a mental illness but they don't have the qualifications to do so, and do not give the basis for the Dx (such as a psychiatric report done as part of a court order, or because the author personally spoke to the therapist with permission of the patient). That tells me they did an internet search of the symptoms and found something that sounds like it could be it.
Then...there's the older sister. The author alludes that she was mentally ill also, not the same as mom, that there was a name for it, doesn't give a name right then, but goes on to describe a child whose almost psychopathic in nature.
And then I hit the "WOMAN" when it should be WOMEN references. With the new "report error" feature in Kindle, I just can't help but correct errors when I see them and had already corrected about a dozen or more. It was taking me way too long to read. I had to stop.
Maybe once it's edited and republished it will be worth reading, but for now, it's nothing but a way to drive me to frustration.
Sorry. I truly am. Please have it edited. There are groups you can join that will help you with it.
February 29, 2020
I struggled with this book
OMG!!! This was the most difficult book I have read in a long time. I have my a Masters degree in English and to struggle through all the grammatical errors was mind numbing. I thought writers have someone to proofread their work before it goes to publication. While the story flowed slow and predictable, every time I ran across an error, it would throw me off track. I am not joking here. There was at least one error per page. The author incorrectly used the words me/I, then/than and others. It drove me nuts. I know I am picky in this area but anyone who writes should have a good knowledge of the English language, and if not, find someone to review you work
OMG!!! This was the most difficult book I have read in a long time. I have my a Masters degree in English and to struggle through all the grammatical errors was mind numbing. I thought writers have someone to proofread their work before it goes to publication. While the story flowed slow and predictable, every time I ran across an error, it would throw me off track. I am not joking here. There was at least one error per page. The author incorrectly used the words me/I, then/than and others. It drove me nuts. I know I am picky in this area but anyone who writes should have a good knowledge of the English language, and if not, find someone to review you work
January 3, 2020
Confusing, but possibly relateable
It is interesting to see how she still loved her parents even after the abuse. I suppose children have an innate ability to love their parents even after their mistakes, and they hold on to the hope of a change. I don't understand some of her choices at the point where she had a choice, but I don't know how those past experiences would have shaped my choices either. Interesting insight into the mind of someone passed from bad to worse and back again. I would say it needs an editor to review i.e. patience and patients.
It is interesting to see how she still loved her parents even after the abuse. I suppose children have an innate ability to love their parents even after their mistakes, and they hold on to the hope of a change. I don't understand some of her choices at the point where she had a choice, but I don't know how those past experiences would have shaped my choices either. Interesting insight into the mind of someone passed from bad to worse and back again. I would say it needs an editor to review i.e. patience and patients.
March 17, 2020
Sad story its horrible that almost every single family she came in contact with was child abusers in God awful ways , horrible. It was good that she broke the cycle of abuse when she grew up and had a family of her own. I was happy for her when her Aunt and uncle rescued her from the institute for troubled and unwanted children & they were so good to her but her cousin started out nice to her even taking her out with her friends until she becomes jealous of her getting closer to her mom and given her a little extra attention. So the cousin and friends came up with a plan to get her into trouble and she loses the only loving , non abusive home she had ever known. I really didn't understand why her Aunt and Uncle couldn't just ground her until eventually the truth came out but 1st sign of trouble and they ship her off. Her cousin should have been ashamed of herself. She was always so nurturing and cared for each baby that she came in contact with when their parent or parents didn't care for them. Very sad about her sister Mary , all the people that she loved so much passing away. Broke my heart when she had to give her nephew up cos her sister Mary wouldn't leave him alone and couldn't care for him cos of her mental issues so for his own safety she had to let him go. Its was sad that it took her taking care of her during father and mother to bond with them and finally feel and told they loved her. But in the same way it was sad it was also good for her to have that time with them. I was glad her and her sister stayed close until she died at such a young age 40s. My heart broke for all the children in this book . I cant and never will be able to understand how a mother or father could harm their children. Blew my mind on just how many families were so abusive. Its heartbreaking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2019
.. Endurance Is a Gift
How many times on the news do we hear about a horrendous act that was taken out on a child? Many of the perpetrators, regardless of who they are, experienced some of the emotional, physical and mental pains themselves. Yet we hear or read about a person who were victims of such acts who turned the experiences into positive energy becoming products of resiliance, endurance, faith and hope. In the written word was promised a future world with no more pain, no more sickness, no more tears, no more death. The former things will have passed away. For now, we can choose to feel sorry for ourselves, become embittered and/or transfer that on to others. It's a sad world we live in, the human condition. But hope can outweigh despair. I recommend this read to anyone who wants to see a change not as entertainment or curiosity but with the determination not to pass this poison on to other innocents. Don't turn the other way and speak up if you are a victim to contact the police or anyone who will listen.
How many times on the news do we hear about a horrendous act that was taken out on a child? Many of the perpetrators, regardless of who they are, experienced some of the emotional, physical and mental pains themselves. Yet we hear or read about a person who were victims of such acts who turned the experiences into positive energy becoming products of resiliance, endurance, faith and hope. In the written word was promised a future world with no more pain, no more sickness, no more tears, no more death. The former things will have passed away. For now, we can choose to feel sorry for ourselves, become embittered and/or transfer that on to others. It's a sad world we live in, the human condition. But hope can outweigh despair. I recommend this read to anyone who wants to see a change not as entertainment or curiosity but with the determination not to pass this poison on to other innocents. Don't turn the other way and speak up if you are a victim to contact the police or anyone who will listen.
April 17, 2020
W H Y ???
This book was unforgettable. There were so many places that brought tears in my eyes and my heart. It took me back to my youth. I grew up in Warwick ri and was so thoroughly had a wonderful childhood and Thank God everyday. Parents and family was loved ...each and all. It saddens me that children have such horror to live in and need to be loved and were treated as they should be. Susan was the strength and the strongest , I love you Susan keep a smile on your face and in your lheart and hold your head high. God Bless, stay well!
This book was unforgettable. There were so many places that brought tears in my eyes and my heart. It took me back to my youth. I grew up in Warwick ri and was so thoroughly had a wonderful childhood and Thank God everyday. Parents and family was loved ...each and all. It saddens me that children have such horror to live in and need to be loved and were treated as they should be. Susan was the strength and the strongest , I love you Susan keep a smile on your face and in your lheart and hold your head high. God Bless, stay well!
April 15, 2019
Good read
These kids went through so much but Susan went through toucher. I dont know why in that time frame there was no protection for kids but they say times always circle back around. They have done this now as kids now are dying at parents hands and no body stops them.
These kids went through so much but Susan went through toucher. I dont know why in that time frame there was no protection for kids but they say times always circle back around. They have done this now as kids now are dying at parents hands and no body stops them.
November 25, 2019
Not so good
Poorly written. Was expecting so much more from the reviews. Nothing went into detail. Hard to keep track of time frame. What happened to baby brother Guy and sister Tara?
Poorly written. Was expecting so much more from the reviews. Nothing went into detail. Hard to keep track of time frame. What happened to baby brother Guy and sister Tara?
December 23, 2019
Love this survival story
Very good book! Love the hope, and strength that was brought. Glad she was able to forgive her mother, so she could forgive her self. Being a better human, mother, aunt, sister, wife is what she became. ♡
Very good book! Love the hope, and strength that was brought. Glad she was able to forgive her mother, so she could forgive her self. Being a better human, mother, aunt, sister, wife is what she became. ♡
February 1, 2020
Inspirational
Beautifully written. What a smart kind survivor!! Awareness of child abuse in all forms physical or emotional needs to end. These stories break my heart but each author gives hope.
Beautifully written. What a smart kind survivor!! Awareness of child abuse in all forms physical or emotional needs to end. These stories break my heart but each author gives hope.
September 2, 2020
A page turner
When I read a book like this I have a hard time saying it is a good story due to all of the abuse she endured. I couldn't put it down until I finished. I couldn't even imagine a childhood so awful.
When I read a book like this I have a hard time saying it is a good story due to all of the abuse she endured. I couldn't put it down until I finished. I couldn't even imagine a childhood so awful.
September 29, 2020
A wow book!
This book kept me reading nonstop. It is extremely heartbreaking to read how cruel humans can be to their own children. This author's story and strength through all her trials was truly inspiring.
This book kept me reading nonstop. It is extremely heartbreaking to read how cruel humans can be to their own children. This author's story and strength through all her trials was truly inspiring.
January 19, 2019
Good
Good book, I truly liked it and the in depth it told of the authors life. Read it in a couple days. Good.
Good book, I truly liked it and the in depth it told of the authors life. Read it in a couple days. Good.
June 1, 2019
Unbreakable
Such a sad childhood but a great way to deal with the memories. Keep being strong 💕💕you are amazing woman
Such a sad childhood but a great way to deal with the memories. Keep being strong 💕💕you are amazing woman
June 29, 2019
I wept, then I was joyous
Just amazing. Loved every second of this. S.B. Jennings you're a great writer keep up the excellent work. Hope to read more from you
Just amazing. Loved every second of this. S.B. Jennings you're a great writer keep up the excellent work. Hope to read more from you
July 24, 2019
It was sad and hard to read but you keep going just to find out if there’s a good ending.
July 27, 2019
A Nickel In My Shoe
This was a very good memoir.I finished it in less than a day.I found it hard to put down.It is finally 4:00 a.m. And I am done but so worth it.
This was a very good memoir.I finished it in less than a day.I found it hard to put down.It is finally 4:00 a.m. And I am done but so worth it.
December 29, 2019
This is a wonderfully sad annd hopeful life story
This is a life story true and beautiful it will make you laugh smile cry but i read it in one sitting front to back
This is a life story true and beautiful it will make you laugh smile cry but i read it in one sitting front to back
January 5, 2020
Sad..very sad but good book
Author tells her life story of a sad sad childhood. Very interesting but heartbreaking at same time. Hard to stop reading.
Author tells her life story of a sad sad childhood. Very interesting but heartbreaking at same time. Hard to stop reading.
January 8, 2020
Great book
Great quick read. This book will bring out emotions you never thought you had. Small world when it comes to looking into other people's lives.
Great quick read. This book will bring out emotions you never thought you had. Small world when it comes to looking into other people's lives.
January 21, 2020
Heartbreaking story but....
The book is not well written. There are many grammar errors which can be distracting.
That being said, the story was gripping and heartbreaking.
The book is not well written. There are many grammar errors which can be distracting.
That being said, the story was gripping and heartbreaking.
July 4, 2020
Great read
Such a great book. I had a hard time putting it down. But very sad. I just wish that no children would ever be abused. It's heartbreaking
Such a great book. I had a hard time putting it down. But very sad. I just wish that no children would ever be abused. It's heartbreaking
February 12, 2019
Really Good ! Could not put down
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews